Finisher for an image forming apparatus

Abstract

A finisher capable of binding a stack of sheets at a plurality of desired positions by a single stapler. When a plurality of stacks of sheets should be each stapled at two positions, the stapler is controlled such that the last stapling position of the preceding stack is the position where the following stack is stapled first.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A finisher capable of binding a stack of sheets sequentially discharged from image forming equipment at a plurality of desired positions, comprising: stapling means comprising a single stapler for binding said stack of sheets at said desired positions;   moving means for moving said stapling means via said desired positions; and   control means for controlling said stapling means and said moving means such that said stack of sheets is stapled at particular positions selected in matching relation to a designated staple mode and such that when said stapling means staples said stack of sheets at said plurality of positions, the last stapling position of said stack is the first stapling position of the next stack of sheets.   
     
     
       2. A finisher capable of binding a stack of sheets sequentially discharged from image forming equipment at a plurality of desired positions, comprising: stapling means comprising a single stapler for binding said stack of sheets at said desired positions;   moving means for moving said stapling means via said desired positions; and   control means for controlling said stapling means and said moving means such that said stack of sheets is stapled at particular positions selected in matching relation to a designated staple mode and for controlling said moving means such that the interval between the end of a stapling operation for stapling a stack of sheets at a plurality of positions and the beginning of a stapling operation for stapling the next stack of sheets is changed on the basis of a staple mode selected.   
     
     
       3. A finisher capable of binding a stack of sheets sequentially discharged from image forming equipment at a plurality of desired positions, comprising: a single stapler for binding said stack of sheets at said desired positions;   selecting means for selecting said desired positions;   moving means for moving said stapler in a direction substantially parallel to an edge of said stack of sheets; and   control means for controlling said stapler and said moving means such that said stack of sheets is stapled at particular positions selected by said selecting means and such that when said stapler staples said stack of sheets at said plurality of positions, the last stapling position of said stack is the first stapling position of the next stack of sheets.